Frequently Asked Questions

The Stick Mark Boom (‘SMB’) materials have been developed to support teachers in planning, delivering and giving effective marking and feedback against the requirements of the 2014 National Curriculum Programme of Study in English and Maths. The SMB English Pack contains differentiated Steps to Success (‘S2S’) and Magpie Nest Stickers for each of the text types in English. The SMB Maths Pack contains Maths Maps, Feedback Friday Targets (‘FFT’) and Next Step Questions (‘NSQ’) for each of the year groups and strands in Maths

The S2S stickers and Cover Targets/NSQs are written to match the content requirements for the 2014 National Curriculum. The vocabulary, examples and questions mirror that used in the Programme of Study. SMB is fully aligned to the new National Curriculum, ensuring the correct pitch of teaching and progression across year groups and abilities. With SMB, assessment is frequent, accurate and can therefore be used to set challenging work that builds on prior knowledge, understanding and skills.

In English, the use of S2S stickers, in-line with the SMB Marking and Feedback Policy, provides detailed, developmental feedback to pupils, without the need for extensive written comments. Teachers will save time on marking, enabling them to spend more time adapting their planning to meet the needs of all pupils. In Maths, the use of FFTs and NSQs ensures all pupils know exactly what their personal targets and next steps are and how to achieve them. Pupils are supported in becoming reflective learners who are active participants in their own learning journey.